Vodafone has increased the sponsorship of the Fijian Primary Schools Football Association IDC which will be held on October 19-21 at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

The annual event received $25,000, compared to $24,000 last year for the 2016 Vodafone Fijian Primary Schools Football Championship.

This year’s sponsorship has been increased compared to the $24,000 last year and Fiji Football acting president Tarunesh Reddy believes this is important on the development of the game in the country.

“This year we are increasing the sponsorship to $25,000 because we at Fiji Football together with Vodafone Fiji believe on the importance of development,” Reddy said.

“Currently we have 21 development sectors in the Northern, Southern and Western divisions and we want to acknowledge Vodafone Fiji for this sponsorship.”

Vodafone Fiji sponsorship manager Adriu Vakarau said they were proud to be associated with FPSFA and to be the name behind development of football in the country.

“We are delighted to be part of this tournament, as world champions put a lot of emphasis on their primary school teams as part of their development pathway,” Vakarau said.

FPSFA president Ami Chand believes the support from Fiji FA and Vodafone will allow the hosting of the successful three-day tourney.

“Thank you Vodafone for coming in and supporting our tournament this year and also we also want to thank the Ministry of Education for giving us the approval to host this tournament and also Fiji Football for giving us their support,” Chand said.

Girls participating

Vodafone Fiji requested the participation of girls in the annual event.

“There will be two girls’ team taking part, Suva and Rewa and I salute the committee and family members for making it possible,” Vakarau said.

Pools

A total of eight teams will compete in the U12 grade while 20 districts will compete in the U14 grade.

Chand confirmed the eight teams from the U12 grade are the winners and runners up from various zones which include Seaqaqa, Rewa, Lautoka, Labasa, Nasinu, Nadi, Rakiraki and reigning champions Ba.